Amtrak’s NextGen Acela Launches: America’s Fastest Train Now Connects Major Cities In Record Time

It’s official: Amtrak’s NextGen Acela officially launched service from NYC this morning, Thursday, August 28th, marking the first time in nearly 25 years that the U.S. has introduced brand-new high-speed trainsets. The inaugural rides left Union Station in Washington, D.C. at 5 am and Boston at 6 am yesterday, Wednesday, August 27th, with New York City departures following today. Billed as America’s fastest train, the new Acela can reach 160 mph and brings a sleek, modern experience to the nation’s busiest rail corridor, carrying millions of passengers each year between New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. 20 minutes faster than prior trips. What Makes Amtrak’s NextGen Acela Different ------------------------------------------- Built by French rail leader Alstom and assembled in Hornell, New York, the NextGen Acela isn’t just about speed — it’s about redefining comfort, reliability, and design for rail passengers. Here’s what riders will notice right away: * 🚄 160 mph top speed with smoother curves thanks to new tilting technology * 💺 27% more seating capacity than older Acela trains * 🔌 Power outlets & USB ports at every seat * 📶 Free, faster 5G-enabled Wi-Fi * 🌅 Larger panoramic windows for Northeast views * ☕ A redesigned Café Acela with expanded food & drink options * 💡 Reading lights, ergonomic seating, and more personal space Amtrak President Roger Harris called the launch “an evolution of travel,” while Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia emphasized the “premium, elevated experience” passengers will feel the moment they step onboard. When & Where To Ride The New Fleet ---------------------------------- For now, five brand-new trainsets are operating on the Northeast Corridor, with the full fleet of 28 trains scheduled by 2027. To confirm you’re riding the new fleet, look for the “NextGen” tag on Amtrak.com or in the Amtrak app. Amtrak ‘NextGen tag’ website view: Amtrak ‘NextGen tag’ app view: You can also check your train number to guarantee you’re boarding the new model: * Weekdays → 2153, 2154, 2170, 2173 * Saturdays → 2250, 2251 * Sundays → 2248, 2258, 2259, 2271 Both the classic Acela and the new NextGen Acela will run side by side for now, meaning passengers will have more schedules and options. NextGen Acela Route Map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The new fleet runs the complete Northeast Corridor, with major stops at: * New York, NY * Boston, MA * Providence, RI * New Haven, CT * Stamford, CT * Philadelphia, PA * Baltimore, MD * Washington, D.C. This creates seamless, high-speed access between the region’s biggest cities, offering a cleaner and faster alternative to both flying and driving. Built in America ---------------- Beyond convenience, the NextGen Acela is also a symbol of American manufacturing and sustainability. * ⚙️ Assembled in Hornell, NY with components from 180+ suppliers across 29 states * 👷 Supported an estimated 15,000 U.S. jobs * 🌱 Offers a greener alternative to short-haul flights and driving Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge noted: > The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in America. The team at Alstom has brought nearly five decades of global experience in high-speed rail to the United States to deliver the fastest and most technologically advanced trains in the nation. Part of Amtrak’s Bigger Transformation -------------------------------------- The launch of NextGen Acela is just the beginning of Amtrak’s sweeping modernization. Coming soon: * Amtrak Airo trains on Cascades, Northeast Regional & East Coast routes * New long-distance locomotives linking cities like NYC and Montreal * Refreshed interiors across Coaches, Sleepers, Dining Cars, and Sightseer Lounges * A long-awaited [one-seat ride](https://secretnyc.co/amtrak-one-seat-train-ride-long-island-mainland-us/) from Long Island to New Jersey, eliminating transfers Ready To Ride? -------------- Tickets for NextGen Acela are already available via the Amtrak app, Amtrak.com, and station kiosks. Launch-week demand is expected to be high, so early booking is encouraged. Learn more about how to secure your ticket here. After decades of anticipation, America’s fastest train is finally here — and it all starts today on the Northeast Corridor. See the new trains below: Source: https://secretnyc.co/americas-fastest-train-amtrak-nextgen-acela-launches-from-nyc/